The root of Curcuma longa, a flowering plant from the ginger family, is well known for its many uses. Also called the "Golden Spice" and "Indian Saffron" because of its bright yellow color, turmeric is widely used as a culinary ingredient in Southeast Asia, where it is grown commercially, especially in India.

Turmeric is revered for its natural health-supporting properties, which traditional healers have relied on for thousands of years. In fact, turmeric is a prominent herb in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), two of the oldest medical systems in the world. Outside Asia, turmeric is used as a natural remedy not only for humans but also for animals. For instance, in Trinidad and Tobago, turmeric is used as an alternative medicine for horses.

Today, turmeric remains a relevant herb and enjoys continued use thanks to the thousands of studies corroborating its historical uses. Research attributes turmeric's beneficial properties to a wide variety of active components, including curcuminoids – the compounds responsible for turmeric's golden-orange color – and powerful antioxidants, as well as a wealth of essential nutrients.

In this feature article, you will learn all about turmeric, the science behind its health-supporting benefits, and the many ways you can use turmeric in your everyday life.